What We Do

Manitou Wellness Center takes a whole-person approach to healing and the inter-connections of mind, body and spirit are deeply acknowledged. Our modalities are effective forms of treatment for a wide range of illnesses helping to create the optimal conditions for health, encouraging vitality and facilitating a sense of well-being. Treatments are suitable for people of all ages including babies, children and the elderly, and can be effective in acute or chronic cases.

Bio Dynamic Craniosacral Therapy

In the biodynamic approach of craniosacral work the subtle rhythms produced by the Breath of Life are regarded as expressions of health that carry an essential ordering principle for both body and mind. Founding Osteopathic Physician, Dr Sutherland realized the important role played by the fluids in the body (particularly cerebrospinal fluid) in helping to disseminate these ordering forces throughout the body.

At a deep level of our physiological functioning, all healthy, living tissues subtly “breathe” with the motion of life – a phenomenon that produces rhythmic impulses which can be palpated by sensitive hands. The essential ordering principle carried in the rhythms of the Breath of Life acts as a blueprint for health which is present from the time of our early embryological development and is the fundamental factor that maintains balance in our form and function.

Thus, the ability of cells and tissues to express their primary respiratory motion is a critical factor in determining our state of health – when these rhythms are expressed in fullness and balance, health and well-being naturally follow. Manitou Wellness’ training program details methodology that focuses and works with forces in the body, the fluid dynamics, and the structure and function. The interaction of these systems is deeply honored and each is given equal emphasis. Craniosacral Biodynamics works simultaneously with structure function, bones and membranes, fluid dynamics and the ordering principle of the Breath of Life (the respiration of the Central Nervous System).

We provide the details drawn from Osteopathic medicine along with modern insights and research in brain science. Craniosacral Biodynamics allows you to work very specifically with the structure and the physiology of the body, as well as its organizing principle.

Somatic Trauma Resolution

STR is a therapeutic process that tracks sensation in the body with the goal of releasing shock that has been trapped due to the individual’s inability to release the shock at the time of the incident. The fight/flight/freeze response is a primitive defensive reaction to perceived threat. It is automatic, causing the body to orient, contract, defend or run from danger.

Sometimes the threat is so intense and life threatening that the individual’s nervous system freezes to enable survival. These responses have a process, often this process is interrupted or because of the circumstances, unable to be expressed. When there is perceived threat, the body creates a potent cocktail of chemicals which ignites the fight/flight/freeze process into action.

Adrenaline is the main chemical, which can get trapped in tissue and fluids and when not released, can produce symptoms. Symptoms can be seen as; anxiety, anger, headaches, disassociation, fear based thinking, sleep issues, as well as a host of other physical symptoms. The instant “on” button to protect the body from harm gets stuck and cannot shut off. Sensation is the language of the body. The therapist is interested in encouraging the patient to follow sensation without giving it meaning, which allows for a gentle release of trapped adrenaline through the skin.

Massage Therapy

Our highly trained therapists offer neuromuscular and clinical massage therapy here in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs for a wide variety of health-related purposes, such as rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, treat specific conditions, relaxation, address feelings of anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness. Many of today’s health and other problems can benefit from medical massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues and deep tissue affect so many of our bodily and other systems. A good medical massage affects all of our systems, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, mental etc. Massage therapy treatments will have a therapeutic affect and improve health by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory, lymphatic and immune systems.

Manual Lymphatic Therapy

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended by proponents to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow.

Nutritional Counseling

Nowadays most people do not have a clue what they should or should not be eating for their bodies. With this program, we will build a customized nutrition plan based solely on your body and its needs. We will help you make the connection between what you eat and how you feel. Manage chronic illness, have fewer aches and pains in your joints, manage anxiety and depression, conquer eating issues, lose weight and rev up your metabolism, and increase energy and well being!

What is the difference between Psychotherapy and STR work?

Psychology deals with the content of the mind. Neurology, on the other hand, deals with the way the brain processes the content. Recovery from trauma requires attention to body, mind, and spirit at different stages of the recovery process. None of these dimensions of the human person can be overlooked in the recovery process.

STR helps the brain to shift into a state of empowerment, where it is no longer ruled by the past, but functions in the present moment. An empowered person doesn’t feel helpless and can make choices from opportunities and possibilities. By shifting their lives from attempting to be in control, into taking charge of their experiences, they gain empowerment. The instant “on” button can then shut down and their nervous systems can return to a state of balance and harmony.